During session 3 we explored the connection between mindfulness and the brain. Adolescents struggle with emotional and impulsive regulation because important parts of their brains are changing quickly during this developmental stage. Teaching them about the brain can provide them with an understanding of what is happening, which can help them deal with emotional experiences more effectively.

When children understand what’s happening in the brain, it can be the first step to having the power to make choices… Sometimes our brains can become overwhelmed with feelings of fear, sadness or anger, and when this happens, it’s confusing—especially to children. So giving children ways to make sense of what’s happening in their brain is important. It’s also helpful for children to have a vocabulary for their emotional experiences that others can understand.

Only 3 days?? Yes! Check out this study recently published and highlighted in a New York Times article. 35 unemployed men and women looking for jobs and under a lot of stress were taken to a retreat center. Half completed mindful meditation at the retreat while the other half were engaged in a faux mindfulness practice.

“There was more activity, or communication, among the portions of their brains that process stress-related reactions and other areas related to focus and calm. Four months later, those who had practiced mindfulness showed much lower levels in their blood of a marker of unhealthy inflammation than the relaxation group, even though few were still meditating.”

We are a group of current and former educators who have experienced the every day frustrations of teaching. We know how powerful and effective practicing mindfulness as a teacher is on decreasing disruptive behaviors and increasing student engagement. Our goal is to collaboration with experts in mindfulness who will share their resources and practices with people who work with youth. We will learn how to be mindful and how to create a mindful environment for our students.